DEVELOPMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION OF POLY(LACTIC-CO-GLYCOLIC ACID) (PLGA) NANOPARTICLES WITH FINASTERIDE AND IN VIVO EVALUATION OF THEIR EFFICACY IN HAIR GROWTH

Abstract

Alopecia is a multifactorial condition affecting the hair follicle, characterized by hair loss, and significantly impacting the social and psychological well-being of individuals. There is currently a wide array of treatments available, ranging from topical and oral formulations to injectable solutions and hair transplantation. Among these, oral therapies are the most commonly adhered to but often come with significant adverse effects. One well-established oral medication is finasteride, which functions by inhibiting 5-a-reductase and blocking the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). While effective in promoting hair growth, prolonged use of finasteride is necessary, potentially leading to adverse effects. In this study, we aimed to enhance the efficacy of finasteride and minimize its systemic side effects by encapsulating it in poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles. We developed both drug-free and drug-containing nanoparticles in concentrations of 10 mg, 20 mg, and 30 mg. The nanoparticulate system was extensively characterized using Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Zeta Potential, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Through this innovative approach, we seek to provide a more efficient and safer treatment alternative for alopecia. The drug-free nanoparticles achieved a synthesis yield of 91.8 $ 3.9%. Nanoparticles containing 10 mg of finasteride demonstrated a yield of 82.6 $ 7.8%, those with 20 mg exhibited a yield of 92.9 $ 3.7%, and the formulation with 30 mg reached a yield of 89.3 $ 1.0%. The average diameter ranged from 162.2 $ 8.2 mm for the drug-free nanoparticles, to 176.1 ÷ 0.7 nm for those with 10 mg of finasteride, 179.6 $ 3.3 nm for the 20 mg variant, and 187.7 $ 4.5 nm for the 30 mg nanoparticles. The encapsulation efficiency was 48.2 $ 30% for nanoparticles with 10 mg of finasteride, 90.7 $ 9.9% for those with 20 mg, and 83.2 ÷ 23.5% for the 30 mg dosage. The development of these nanoparticles and the successful encapsulation of finasteride were significant achievements. Subsequently, an in vivo study is planned to assess the efficacy of these nanoparticles in promoting hair growth when administered orally to Wistar rats.